“Does anyone know how many days there are until Christmas?” A chorus of kids shout in response “Fifty-eight!” It’s FBC Youth Pastor Maddi Smith’s signature close of the announcement portion of Sunday morning service. Even if you only meet her briefly, you’ll quickly find out Maddi Smith loves all things Christmas!
She also loves all things related to students. When she talks about the youth group here at FBC-Mebane, Smith’s eyes light up. She sees firsthand how a small group of students can have a big impact inside the church and outside of it, in local schools and the surrounding community.
Reaching Beyond the Church Walls
“We have a great group of students,” she says. “This is one of the first seasons where we’ve had students in multiple schools, in multiple activities. They’re a very blended group.”
That variety impacts how she approaches the ministry. Instead of expecting everyone to come to her, she’s made it a point to go to them.
“A lot of what we’re doing is trying to be at their schools through FCA and just meeting them where they’re at — going to their games, different things like that,” Smith explains. “They are involved in a lot of different activities and leading Bible studies at their schools. So, it’s been really cool to see them take it even outside of the church while they’re learning.”
Getting Started in Youth Ministry
Smith’s path to youth ministry started much like that of the students she now serves, with a whole lot of uncertainty and faith. She grew up in the church but didn’t always know what direction she was headed.
“I was a kid that didn’t really know what she wanted to do,” she says. “I thought I wanted to be a special education teacher. But my senior year, we went to a camp called Camp Caswell, and they had given this call to ministry. I wasn’t sure that’s what I wanted to do, but for whatever reason, I got up and went and talked to somebody. This time felt different.”
That step of faith led her to a Christian college where she studied youth ministry. Soon, she got a job offer here at her home church. “I’ve been doing it ever since,” she says.
A Season of Growth for FBC Youth
And she’s just as excited today as she was when she started. She loves the interaction with FBC youth who come because they’ve chosen to.
“A lot of the kids who were in youth group when I was in youth group, there was no choice — you were going to church,” she says with a laugh. “A lot of these students that come, their parents don’t come. So, it’s really cool that they are choosing to come to church because they want to.”
That self-motivation has contributed to growth. Wednesday nights are for deep Bible study; Sundays mix games, devotionals, and small-group discussions led by college-aged mentors.
“We have some college leaders and some young adults,” Smith says. “We’re able to break up into small groups now. We haven’t had that before, and there have been really good conversations.”
Encouraging the Next Generation of FBC Youth
It’s so exciting to see one generation pouring into another. Smith loves it when everyone in the church body encourages the students. “Invest in them. Spend time with them. Get to know them. Volunteer with them, and teach them what they need to know,” she says. “Because if someone doesn’t teach them, they won’t know.”
She admits the group can be wild and rambunctious at times, but it’s all in good fun. “Praise Jesus that they’re at church and not doing something else,” she says. “They really are good kids.”
Walking Wisely and a Word of Thanks
The group just helped with the Brunswick Stew fundraiser, which supports their upcoming summer camp. Many also joined in the church’s Trunk or Treat on October 31st.
In February, they’ll attend Walking Wisely Weekend. That’s a youth event where students from throughout Alamance County get together for worship, service, and a whole lot of fun.
“I’m excited for their kind of last hurrah,” Smith says. “Close to 20 seniors will graduate this year, and Walking Wisely just brings us together — bonding, having the leaders together. I’m hoping it sparks excitement to invest in weekly youth group or Bible study or whatever that looks like.”
Smith is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of their lives. She appreciates FBC-Mebane for how much they invest in the up-and-coming generation.
“It’s important to thank the church for giving us the space to have a youth ministry,” she says. “Not every church invests in having a youth program. So, the fact that they give us the budget, the space, and let us try different things… it’s important. I don’t take that for granted.”
For more information on how you can support and encourage our FBC youth, reach out to Pastor Maddi Smith.
